A Worthy Task

Dear Lord, I do not ask
That Thou should’st give me some big work of Thine,
Some noble calling, or some wondrous task.
Give me a little hand to hold in mine;

Give me a little child to point the way
Over the strange, sweet path that leads to Thee;
Give me a little voice to teach to pray;
Give me two shining eyes Thy face to see.

The only crown I ask, dear Lord, to wear
Is this: that I may teach a little child.

I do not ask that I may ever stand
Among the wise, the worthy, or the great;
I only ask that softly, hand in hand,
A child and I may enter at the Gate.